AbstractThe present study had as objectives (1) to compare the morphological and functional characteristics of the malejudo players of the Brazilian Team A (n=7) with the judo players of Teams B and C (reserves; n=15), and (2) to verify the association between the variables measured. Thus, 22 athletes from the seven Olympic weight categories were submitted to: a body composition evaluation (body mass, height, ten skinfolds, eight circumferences, three bone diameters and percent body fat estimation); the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT); maximal strength tests (one repetitionmaximum, 1 RM, in bench press, row, and squat); and the Cooper test. One-way analysis of covariance was used to compare the groups. The relationships between variables were determined by the Pearson coefficient correlation. The significance level was fixed at 5%. No significant difference was found in any variable between them. The main significant correlations observed were between the following variables: VO2max and number of throws in the SJFT (r=0.79); percent body fat and estimated VO2max (r=0.83) and number of throws in the SJFT (r=0.70); chest circumference and bench press 1 RM (r=0.90) and in the row (r=0.80); and thigh circumference and squat 1 RM (r=0.86). However, there was no significant correlation between circumferences and 1 RM/kg of body mass. According to these results the main conclusions are: (1) the physical variables measured do not discriminate performance when analysis is directed to the best athletes; (2) a higher percent body fat is negatively correlated with performance in activities with body mass locomotion (Cooper test and the SJFT); (3) judo players with higher aerobic power performed better in high-intensity intermittent exercise; (4) judo players with bigger circumferences present bigger absolute maximal strength.

12/03/2007

Using judo as a cross training method is not a new concept throughout the world, but over the last couple of years it has been adopted in Britain by teams such as Bath and Leicester Tigers, as well as the England Junior Academy, who brought judo Olympic silver medallist, Kate Howey, on board to work with their young squad.In early 2006, the British Judo Association formed a new partnership with Leicester Tigers Rugby Club. The rugby giants were in no doubt that judo could improve the performance of their squads and they have since implemented the sport at many levels. Integral to the partnership is Wayne Lakin, a British Judo World Class Start Coach, who now works equally between rugby and judo.Judo does not only benefit the elite. It can offer a great deal to young and amateur athletes as well as coaches. This is fundamentally because judo techniques provide basic skill movements, which are transferable onto the pitch.